Sole Start Boosts Construction Stats

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By Steve MacNaull

Valley Views

November’s construction start of the much-delayed 40-unit micro-condominium project Sole, helped bump Kelowna’s housing statistics for the month. In November, construction started on 79 multiple units, those that are included in apartment and condo complexes and townhouses. Construction also started on 66 singlefamily homes, for a total of 145 starts during November. That compares well to the 73 total starts in November 2012. “Single-detached and multiple-family starts have both trended steadily higher since August,” said Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation analyst Paul Fabri. Sole, which is being developed by Kelowna-based Edgecombe Builders at 1290 St Paul St., will be six storeys with storefronts and offices on the first three floors and condos above ranging from as small as 389 square feet to 750 square feet and priced $139,000 to $292,000. Ground was supposed to be broken on Sole in 2010, but was delayed several times because the economy was rough and there wasn’t much of a market for small condos. However, the economy and market have come around and some homebuyers seem to like the idea of a compact, affordable space as long as they are downtown near shopping, restaurants, entertainment and parks and there are building amenities. Sole’s amenities include balconies, gym and common rooftop terrace with barbecue, patio seating and firepit. Sole is expected to be finished in early 2015.